Craniopharyngioma - Childhood

Craniopharyngioma – Childhood

Childhood craniopharyngiomas are rare and slow growing tumours found in the brain usually near the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized organ at the bottom of the brain. Pituitary gland function is to control other glands and produce many different hormones which affects as to how the body functions. Pituitary gland is a part of the brain called suprasellar region. This is the area of the brain just above the sella and again above sella are located the optic nerves and a gland called the hypothalamus, which controls, body temperature, hunger sleep, thirst, fatigue and other behaviours. Hypothalamus is a small cone shaped organ which connects to the pituitary gland by nerves.

Craniopharyngioma tumour may be detected in a person after many years as it is a slow growing tumour. It can be solid and/or cystic. A cystic tumour mostly contains very high amounts of protein and the solid tumour contains areas of calcium.
.
Symptoms of craniopharyngioma are caused when the tumour presses on blood vessels or nerves as a result of which brain cannot function properly in those areas or when hormonal changes take place, or when pressure builds up in the brain. Unless the symptoms listed below are seen in the child craniopharyngioma is not diagnosed.

Nausea and/or vomiting

Difficulty with balance

Increased sleepiness

Mood changes

Headaches, more severe in the morning

Vision changes

Increased urination

Slow or halted growth

Excessive weight gain

Early or delayed puberty

Excessive thirst

While choosing a diagnostic test these factors are considered namely the child’s symptoms, age and medical condition, type of tumour suspected and the results of the earlier medical tests.

Surgery is the most common treatment for craniopharyngioma. Surgery is done by a neurosurgeon, who specializes in removing brain tumours. Surgeons try to remove the tumour completely or as much as possible. Side effect of surgery depends on the location of the tumour.

Another option for treating craniopharyngioma is Radiation therapy, which is carried out by a Radiation oncologist using high-energy x-rays or other particles to destroy the tumour cells. At times a high dose of radiation therapy is given to the tumour, called radiosurgery. In this technique the doctor knows exactly the place where to deliver the radiation treatment. Radiosurgery is used mostly in cases of recurrent craniopharyngioma.

Palliative or supportive care is required for children treated with craniopharyngioma to deal with the short term side effects like mild skin reactions, nausea and fatigue and also permanent side effects like hair loss, weight gain, memory problems, low hormone levels and learning difficulties.

Fillers Suppliers

Disclaimer

All product and company names are trademarksTM or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
BIOBAXY Technologies India web-site does not intend to use the trade-mark of the 'Similar in composition to' drug because the web-site is not selling any 'Similar in composition to' drug to its prospective customers and it is only sharing the existing knowledge and information which is already public and this has no relation whatsoever to the trade mark being used by the 'Similar in composition to' drug. It is also to be noted that the words 'Our Brand' refers to the brand which will be supplied by us. We may supply any other brand of a reputed company in case the brand under 'Our Brand' is not available. It should be noted that by mentioning the brand names anywhere on this site, we are not making a claim on any patent / trade-mark which the respective manufacturer / patent-holder might be holding.
All information contained on the Site, including information relating to medical and health conditions, products and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals or any information contained on or in any product packaging or labels.
You should not use the information contained on the site for diagnosing a health problem or prescribing a medication. you should carefully read all information provided by the manufacturers of the products on or in the product packaging and labels before using any product purchased on the site. you should always consult your own physician and medical advisors. information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.